Articles

Plain answers about electrical Certificates of Compliance in South Africa, for the electricians who file them and the people who need them.

Looking for the forms? See the free COC test report templates (South Africa).

For electricians

• How to store electrical COCs so you can find them years later

  What to keep with each certificate, how to name it, and why folders and WhatsApp stop working.

  For electricians and small contractors

• COC photos: how to build a photographic record of every job

  What to photograph, how to label each picture, and how to keep it with the certificate.

  For electricians and small contractors

• How to combine a COC and test report into one PDF

  What goes in a complete COC pack and how to send one numbered file to an agent.

  For electricians and small contractors

• Electrician COC software in South Africa: what to look for

  What the ECB and ECA(SA) platforms cover, where storage and search gaps remain, and a checklist.

  For electricians and small contractors

For homeowners, landlords and agents

• What is a COC certificate? Electrical Certificate of Compliance explained

  The definition, the Electrical Installation Regulations 2009, who can issue one, what it covers and the test report.

  For homeowners, landlords, agents and electricians

• Electrical COC cost in South Africa (2026)

  Prices from six public sources with dates, what changes the price and who pays when selling.

  For sellers, buyers and agents

• Electrical COC for selling a house: who pays and when to book

  Who normally provides the certificate in a sale, when to book it and what happens if it fails.

  For sellers, buyers and agents

• How long is an electrical COC valid in South Africa?

  The two year point for transfers, validity for the life of the installation, and why sources differ.

  For homeowners, landlords, agents and electricians

• Lost electrical COC: what you can actually do

  Where to look first, what the ECB register may hold, and when a new inspection is needed.

  For homeowners and electricians

• Who can issue an electrical COC? Registered persons explained

  Registered person types, how to check your electrician and what a COC must show.

  For homeowners and electricians

General information, not legal advice. Confirm requirements with the regulations and your registered electrician.